A generation raised on screens is driving an unexpected boom in tactile, tech-free pastimes
In a world where AI can generate a painting in seconds and smartphones capture thousands of photos without a thought, a growing number of Americans are making a deliberate choice to slow down. They are picking up film cameras, pottery wheels, knitting needles, and vinyl records, fueling an analog hobby revival that retailers, psychologists, and cultural observers say has moved well beyond a passing trend.
The numbers tell a compelling story. Searches for analog hobbies on craft sites have jumped more than 136 percent in the past six months, with searches for specific items like yarn kits increasing a staggering 1,200 percent in 2025. Film photography, once considered a relic of the pre-digital age, is thriving. For the first time in over two decades, a major camera brand released a new 35mm film camera model, and film stock manufacturers report double-digit sales growth year over year. Vintage cameras that sold for $50 to $100 just a few years ago now command $300 to $500, with pristine models fetching even higher prices.
The movement is being led by a perhaps surprising demographic: Generation Z. Having grown up entirely in the digital age, many young adults are the ones most enthusiastically embracing analog pursuits. The paradox makes sense when viewed through the lens of their lived experience. After witnessing the mental health impacts of infinite scrolling, algorithmic manipulation, and curated digital personas, many are seeking something that feels more authentic and grounded.
Cultural commentators describe this as part of a broader shift toward what some call analog wellness, a philosophy that prioritizes mindfulness, hands-on creativity, and offline experiences over screen time. It is closely related to the digital detox movement but goes a step further by actively replacing digital consumption with tangible activities rather than simply removing it.
Film photography sits at the heart of this cultural moment. TikTok hashtags like #FilmTok have accumulated billions of views, and Instagram feeds are filled with grainy, deliberately imperfect 35mm shots. Enthusiasts describe the appeal in terms of intentionality: with only 24 or 36 exposures per roll, each press of the shutter demands thought about composition, lighting, and whether the moment is truly worth capturing. In an age of infinite digital storage, the constraint itself has become the point.
The revival extends far beyond photography. Vinyl record sales now outsell CDs in many markets, as listeners seek the ritual and depth of analog music. Knitting circles and crochet groups are booming, both in person and through online communities that organize local meetups. Pottery studios report waitlists for classes, and journaling, puzzling, and gardening are all experiencing renewed enthusiasm. Even book clubs, walking groups, and pub quiz nights are being framed as part of this broader cultural recalibration.
Psychologists point to tangible benefits. Studies have found that craft-based activities like pottery are associated with improved mood and decreased depressive symptoms. Analog photography has been linked to reduced stress and stronger social connections. Reading, painting, and playing musical instruments all offer cognitive benefits that passive screen consumption does not. The common thread, researchers say, is the engagement of multiple senses and the satisfaction of producing something physical.
Retailers and brands are responding to the demand. Craft supply stores are expanding their analog hobby sections, beginner-friendly kits for everything from latch hook to calligraphy are selling briskly, and disposable camera sales are surging. For many Americans, the appeal is simple: in a world that constantly demands digital attention, choosing something slow, tactile, and beautifully imperfect feels like a quiet act of rebellion.
Sources
1. “Why Analog Hobbies Are Booming in a Digital World” — CKBW, February 11, 2026. https://www.ckbw.ca/2026/02/11/why-analog-hobbies-are-booming-in-a-digital-world/
2. “Film Photography Revival: Why Analog is Back in 2025” — Aesthetics of Photography, November 9, 2025. https://aestheticsofphotography.com/film-photography-revival-why-analog-is-back-in-202/
3. “2026: The rise of the analog lifestyle” — Deseret News, January 6, 2026. https://www.deseret.com/entertainment/2026/01/05/how-to-get-organized-and-stay-off-the-phone-in-the-new-year-2026/
4. “Students share analog hobbies to restore digitally exhausted minds” — The Baylor Lariat, February 12, 2026. https://baylorlariat.com/2026/02/12/students-share-analog-hobbies-to-restore-your-digitally-exhausted-mind/
5. “Why Film Photography Still Matters in 2025” — Kelsey Smith Photography, October 30, 2025. https://kelseysmithphotography.net/blog/why-film-photography-still-matters-2025
